Research & Development Services

Darton offers a comprehensive Research and Development program to help you design a sleeve that will far exceed the limits of the stock block. Darton uses some of the most technologically advanced tools made today to get the specifications necessary for us to begin production. We take the block and evaluate every detail in order to develop the right sleeve the first time. Once the initial evaluation and basic measuring of the block is complete we can inform the custom of what their sleeving options will be.

Not many people know that at least 65% of the sleeves Darton stocks are a direct result of Darton’s in house Research and Development. After many successful years of Research and Development Darton has also engineered 100% of all the blank sleeves most commonly used for custom applications.

All of the Patented Modular Integrated Deck (M.I.D.) Sleeve Kits come straight from Darton’s R&D program. We have the technology to take just about any block and create a M.I.D. Sleeve Kit for it. Keeping in mind not all blocks can support the M.I.D. Sleeve due to casting restraints, we are able to come up with a sleeve that would be suitable for the application or needs of the customer.

Darton International proudly introduces the latest addition to the Darton patented MID™ product line with the successful creation and testing of a MID kit for the Chrysler™ 6.1 Hemi blocks. The uniqueness of the new MID kit is the application for this block which is cast iron.

Typically the Darton MID technology has been applied to aluminum blocks as a solution to correct weak block structure and provide for maximum bores given constraints imposed by bore center to center dimensions. The 6.1 block was limited in bore size and cubic inch increase by boring until Darton successfully applied the MID technology to this very popular block. The 6.1L with the Darton MID kit easily attains a bore of 4.150 with a subsequent increase in displacement to 426 C.I. a magic number in the Hemi block community.

The MID kit engineered for the 6.1L Hemi is conventionally installed using Darton’s comprehensive block machining instructions which yields a superior bore structure with the benefit of increased cooling efficiency, better ring seal, and single cylinder repair without major machine work. Darton Sleeves for today’s solutions and tomorrows better sleeve ideas.

Darton Announces the Availability of the New SUPER DUCTILE IRON

Darton Sleeves, Carlsbad, California—(February 1, 2007)

Darton Sleeves proudly announces the creation of a new SUPER DUCTILE IRON known as DDI-2007™.
This new super material is the result of a year long quest to significantly advance the technology of centrifugal ductile iron casting to meet the needs of one of Darton’s main customer groups, Top Fuel Racing.

Darton’s new material is well over 130,000 tensile and in excess of 90,000 psi yield. Hardness exceeds 300 BHN (28-32c Rockwell). The yield is the main resistive mechanical feature of compound strength which resists circular distortion in a cylinder liner. The new hardness feature promotes stability and rejects scuffing in severe environments like Top Fuel motors.

The most important new feature of DDI-2007 is the nodule count. Typical competitive high grade ductile iron have nodule counts in the range of 250-300 per sq MM, as viewed under an electron microscope at 750x. Darton’s new material averages a nodule count of 475-550!!!. This is an astounding increase of 45% density, an almost unheard of feat in the casting industry. This new density value creates an unparalleled wear and ring seal surface, and, which allows customized honing to take advantage of all the new piston ring technology to eliminate leak down and reduce friction.

Currently available competitive ductile iron ranges in 240-260 BHN is considered “soft” in the Top Fuel community and coupled with nodule counts of 250 means cylinder distortion, the bane of cylinder seal.
With this new material from Darton Sleeves the bar is raised again to meet the needs of one of the most demanding engine environments in the world, Top Fuel “Hemis”, producing upwards of 8000 horsepower!!!

In addition this new material from Darton Sleeves will make it possible for a whole range of engine builders to take advantage of the superior strength of DDI-2007 to increase bore sizes and reduce sleeve wall thickness in dry sleeve applications to as little as .040. This will allow engine builders to consider DDI-2007 at an economical price, where they might have used a steel sleeve before.

Drifting requires a good amount of horsepower to be able to smoke those tires around the track. What better way to gain reliable horsepower than to increase bore size while still being able to run high boost? The new Darton SR20DET Dry Sleeve Kit is made from Darton’s famous high strength Ductile Iron and designed specifically for the Nissan SR20DET blocks. The new sleeves will be supplied for bore sizes from 86mm – 90mm. The new multi-diameter sleeve, with flats assures max-wall thickness for strength at any bore size.

The Darton Sleeve Kit design incorporates dimensional features to maximize fitment and installation ease. This design also promotes an oil sealing feature to assure no contamination between the sleeve and the cylinder wall.

Darton also offers installation of the new SR20DET Dry Sleeve kit with quick turn around times.

Availability of the New Modular Integrated Deck (M.I.D.) for Nissan's VQ35DE

Darton Sleeves, Carlsbad, California—(March 19, 2007)

Darton announces the availability of its new Modular Integrated Deck (M.I.D) sleeve kit Nissan’s VQ35DE blocks. This block adds to the already impressive line-up of kits like LS-1, Honda, Ford and Ecotec. This kit will allow you to go from a standard bore of 95mm to a max bore of 100mm handling high boost and high compression. The kit is perfect for all applications whether it be full race, turbo, N/A or for those weekend warriors with street/strip cars. This kits shares all the same patent pending designs in the M.I.D. line. The VQ35 Nissan engine will be the future of the import drag racing Pro-segment in 2006, its power potential is unmatched. Darton being the leaders in sleeve designs feels that the VQ35 will play a huge part in racing in the year to come and with this new kit its power potential becomes even better. Who better to ask than Vinny Ten? He only uses Darton Sleeves in every VQ35 he builds whether it be for the street or the strip.

The new Darton LS-2 Dry Sleeve Kit is made from Darton’s famous high strength Ductile Iron and designed specifically for the new LS-2.

The Darton Sleeve Kit design incorporates dimensional features to maximize fitment and installation ease. This design also promotes an oil sealing feature to assure no contamination between the sleeve and the cylinder wall. In addition Darton has simplified installation and created a technical brochure to guide proper block machining. Count on Darton for all your sleeve needs.

Availability of a New Line of Repair Sleeves

Darton Sleeves, Carlsbad, California—(September 1, 2001)

Darton Sleeves announces availability of new line of repair sleeves, manufactured exclusively with the world famous high strength Darton centrifugul cast ductile iron. This new Darton sleeve line is available in bore sizes ranging from 3.800" to 4.500" in 3/32 and 1/8" wall, all in generous lengths to accommodate all styles of gasoline an diesel powered engine blocks. All sleeves are precision ground on the OD to + .0005, and semi-finish bored to listed sizes. Although these new Darton sleeves are manufactured from high strength ductile iron, they are priced competitively at or below the average cost of traditional cast iron or chromemoly repair sleeves.

Availability of a New Honda™ Block Kit

Darton Sleeves, Carlsbad, California—(September 15, 2001)

Darton Sleeves announces the introduction of a new performance enhancing product kit for Honda B-16 and B-18 engines. The new Darton product is a combination upper block reinforcing brace and 4 specially produced sleeves. Unlike other braces available, the Darton brace is designed for precision machine installation with no welding needed and the brace is manufactured from a much more block compatible aluminum. Installation of the Darton Block Brace creates a true solid deck design with improved water flow to the head. The new sleeves are made from newly formulated high strength centrifugal cast ductile iron material specifically designed for high RPM applications. These two new components now offer the performance enthusiast the possibility of equipping their engines with Darton sleeves at a very economical price.

Availability of Honda™ Sleeve Kit

Darton Sleeves, Carlsbad, California—(September 15, 2001)

The new Darton Honda Sleeve Kit provides for a "closed block" solution to the Honda block and provides a superior strength ductile iron sleeve to endure high horsepower environments of boost, nitrous and RPM. Sleeve kit is 4 completely machined sleeves with water transfer hoses, flats and includes a pictorial installation manual along with a gasket and a special inserting compound.

Availability of a New Honda™ B-16 and B-18 Block Tooling

Darton Sleeves, Carlsbad, California—(September 1, 2001)

Darton Sleeves announces availability of new Honda B-16 and B-18 block tooling for testing water pressure block integrity. Two separate tools, (1) for head surface and (1) for water pump port are offered. Tools are precision CNC manufactured from 7075-T-6 aluminum. Both tools are made with adhesive backed Neoprene material, o'rings and a standard shop air connection port for pressurizing the block up to 30 psi to test for leaks. Tools are invaluable for testing after major block machining operations such as sleeving, boring or decking. Call Darton now, the leader in sleeves and kits for the import market.

Darton Sleeves Announces the Availability of a New Solid Deck Sleeve Kit for the 2002 Honda K-20 Block

Darton Sleeves, Carlsbad, California—(March 1, 2002)

Darton Sleeves announces availability of a new solid deck sleeve kit for the 2002 Honda K-20 Block with bore sizes up to 88mm. This sleeve kit further extends Darton Sleeves Honda Sleeve Kit line which now includes Sport and Pro Sleeve Kits for the B-16, B-18, F, H and K series Honda blocks. Darton's sleeves are world renown for toughness and durability and used in all types of engines including aircraft, Indy cars, Top Fuel and Pro-Mod. Darton sleeves are available from Darton direct or through our major distributor - Race Engineering.

Availability of a Revolutionary New Sleeve Kit for the Ever Popular GM™ LS1 Series Aluminum V8 Block

Darton Sleeves, Carlsbad, California—(October 1, 2002)

Darton Sleeves announces availability of a revolutionary new sleeve kit for the ever-popular GM LS1 series aluminum V8 block. The new kit was based on a cooperative effort between Lingenfelter Performance Engineering (LPE) and Darton. LPE is world renown for specialty engine performance upgrades and retrofits in popular street and strip cars. Darton is the recognized leader in sleeve kit technology and provider of sleeves with superior material able to withstand high boost and nitrous applications.

The stock LS1 series block is a solid deck design-incorporating cast in sleeves. Re-sleeving with conventional sleeves has proved to be problematic with limited bore size potential.

Darton announces the latest revisions of their extremely popular Modular Integrated Deck (M.I.D.) kits which now incorporates " Register Fins "Ô. The new fining on the exterior significantly adds strength and doubles the sleeve exterior surface area in the compression area to provide for better heat transfer and cooling. Darton, working in conjunction with Caldwell Development, have refined the cylinder heat transfer formula to eliminate potential for hot spots and cooling system cavitation. These new sleeves offer the race enthusiast superior cooling for extreme performance potential.

Darton Announces the opening of Darton Sleeves East located in New Albany, Indiana

Darton Sleeves, Carlsbad, California—(December 1, 2004)

Darton East, located at 2560 Charlestown Rd. New Albany, IN, is a full service machine facility created to enhance customer support and Modular Integrated Deck (M.I.D.) sleeve installations in the central eastern U.S.A. Darton East will also provide installation of their standard Flanged sleeves for all Honda blocks.

Darton M.I.D. sales have exceeded sales projection and Darton is continuing to expand the M.I.D. engine applications for popular performance engines.

Darton East will be a full service M.I.D. kit and flanged sleeve installation facility with machine capabilities to include the following:

Kit Installation

Finish Bore Honing

Line Honing

Metalax or Block Stress Relieving

Planned M.I.D. installations will begin with all the GM LS-1/6 series engines and Honda D, B, H, F and K series engines. Expected turnaround for standard installations will be approximately 1 week from receipt of a serviceable engine block.

Darton Sleeves is Granted a US Patent

Darton Sleeves, Carlsbad, California—(October 5, 2004)

Darton Sleeves is proud to announce the issuance of U.S. Patent Number 6,799,541, effective October 5, 2004, for their premier product line, "Modular Integrated Deck" MID sleeves, used in numerous performance applications. The U.S. Patent Office, after exhaustive national and international research, granted the inventors all 45 claims for uniqueness, inventiveness and originality as described in the patent. The Darton MID product line has been engineered to provide a systemized block modification approach for "OEM" manufactured engines to enable significant increases in cubic inches, horsepower output and field reparability of the cylinders.Current applications for the product included the GM LS series engines, Ecotec , Honda , Ford Modular and Porsche 900 series. New applications include the GM Northstar and Nissan VQ35. Utilizing the Darton MID patented sleeve design concept, many more potential applications are emerging as OEM's continue to manufacture aluminum blocks with "cast in" cast iron sleeves which normally inhibit cylinder bore modification.

Availability of Performance Sleeves

Darton Sleeves, Carlsbad, California—(August 1, 2001)

As the prime supplier of performance sleeves to the Top Fuel Racing Industry, the DARTON foundry produces a special composition of ductile iron which creates a stronger more nodular and dense casting. This assures extra strength and ductility under the most severe operating conditions. DARTON specializes in race-ready parts for all configurations of Top Fuel, Sprint Car, Motorcycle, Boat and Tractor motors. DARTON is a pioneer in the development of machining techniques providing products with a competitive edge and the use of space-age processes, such as ceramic impregnation in cylinder bores. DARTON stocks most all popular sleeves for immediate shipping. All DARTON products are unconditionally warranted against manufacturing or material defects.

Availability of Custom Sleeves

Darton Sleeves, Carlsbad, California—(August 1, 2001)

In this day of “just in time” inventory, Darton Sleeves stands out as the leader in custom parts production. Specializing in small part runs and rapid turnaround time for all sleeve applications. Darton’s professional customer services specialists will cheerfully handle all your inquiries. Placing orders, discussing engineering, or the concept of custom parts will be handled quickly and efficiently by our fully trained staff. Darton employs the latest Coordinated Measuring Equipment to verify quality of production and, where necessary, to reverse-engineer parts when a blueprint is not available. “CMM” equipment provides feedback dimensions of contours, shapes and sizes. This information is then translated into a computer read-out accurate to within .00001”. All production and manufacturing is controlled by our CAD/CAM system. Manufacturing custom parts for your individual needs can be routinely and efficiently accomplished in a short time using our state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques. Darton is happy to assist you in designing your own custom parts and provide you with a production control blueprint so that you are assured of a consistent quality control standard and reference.

Availability of New Sleeve Blanks

Darton Sleeves, Carlsbad, California—(August 1, 2001)

Beginning in 1998 Darton will make available centrifugally cast ductile iron pre-machined SLEEVE BLANKS. These blanks offer engine shops, experimenters, and production facilities the opportunity to buy very high quality ductile cast blanks closer to the net size of intended use and save a significant amount of money as opposed to finish machined sleeves. Typically in the ‘as cast’ condition, ductile iron and cast iron are very difficult to machine and will wear tool bits at a high rate. By taking advantage of Darton’s offer to buy pre machined blanks in these high quality materials, machine shops and production facilities can realize the benefit of much lower per part cost and greatly reduced machine time and tool expenditure. Sleeve blanks are available in a large array of sizes starting with parts for motorcycles on up to and including tractor diesel motor sizes. Prices for pre machined sleeve blanks typically are 40 to 60% less expensive than finished pans. All blanks are precision pre machined with close tolerances, square shoulders and concentric bores.

Availability of Sleeves Manufactured to Fit Aluminum Brodix™ SBC

Darton Sleeves, Carlsbad, California—(September 1, 2001)

NOW AVAILABLE: Darton manufactured sleeves to fit Brodix SBC in 4.00 and 4.125 bores. Also available are oversize O.D.'s in both bore sizes. These sleeves are manufactured from Darton's super high strength centrifugal cast ductile iron with superior break-in qualities and are guaranteed to perform in severe duty applications. Call Darton for all you sleeve needs, custom or stock, for most all popular applications.

Availability of Replacement Sleeves for the Mopar™ Series

Darton Sleeves, Carlsbad, California—(September 1, 2001)

Darton Sleeves announces availability of replacement sleeves for the Mopar series of small block aluminum engines, commonly used in sprint cars. The addition of these new sleeves in Darton centrifugul cast ductile iron further enhances Darton's product selection of "off the shelf" sleeves to fit most all aluminum and cast iron sprint car engines. As with other sleeves in this category, Darton will offer these new sleeves in 4, 4 1/8 bores and in standard and oversize O.D. dimensions, of plus .005, .010, and .020.

Introduction of new Sleeve Kit for GM™ World, the Ecotec™

Darton Sleeves, Carlsbad, California—(March 1, 2002)

Darton announces the introduction of a new sleeve kit for the GM world motor, the ECOTEC . The new kit was based on a cooperative effort between Lingenfelter Performance Engineering (LPE) and Darton. LPE is world renown for specialty engine performance upgrades and retrofits in popular street and strip cars. Darton is the recognized leader in sleeve kit technology and provider of sleeves with superior material able to withstand high boost and nitrous applications. Darton pioneered the concept of incorporating "closed deck solutions" for open deck blocks such as many of the import motors and now the ECOTEC . Darton has delivered hundreds of closed deck "Pro Sleeve Kits" for most of the Honda series engines which are routinely performingin 600-800 horsepower levels with wide open throttle at events like endurance off road racing.

Darton Sleeves announces availability of our new patent pending, Modular Integrated Deck (MID) sleeve kits for popular 4, 6 and 8 cylinder engines, both domestic and import. MID is defined as an integral solid deck in the upper block area where thin casting material is removed and replace with nested and siamesed sleeve flanges held in tension, reinforcing the block.

This new revolutionary Darton Sleeves' design incorporates "Coolant Swirl Technology" in the upper flange. This new process provides for regulated water flow in and around the flange to measurably improve cylinder cooling, heat transfer and eliminate combustion chamber hot spots.

The new Darton Sleeves are all of the wet sleeve design and provide unsurpassed cylinder bore rigidity, to assure no distortion and absolute minimum leak down during all cycles of running. Oil control, ring seating and low friction are all greatly improved over other sleeve designs.

Because of the new design, bore size increases are possible while still providing a significant increase in wall thickness over competing products. The Darton MID sleeve is based on newly engineered centrifugally cast ductile iron, which exceeds 130,000 PSI tensile strength and 6% elongation while maintaining exceptional surface hardness.

These new Darton MID designed sleeve kits are available for: Ford 4.6 series

Darton Sleeves Announces the Appointment of Callies Performance as a new Distributor

Darton Sleeves, Carlsbad, California—(July 1, 2003)

Darton announces the appointment of Callies Performance as their new upper mid-west distributor. Callies Performance is a leader in performance crankshaft manufacturing and specializes in distribution of performance engine rotating assemblies. The inclusion of Darton Sleeves in the Callies lines rounds out the product selection Callies offers.

Darton Sleeves leads the performance industry in sleeve deliveries from Top Fuel to Sprint Car and now with the recent induction of the (M.I.D.) big bore sleeve kits for popular engines like the LS-1 and Ecotec, is leading the industry with innovative and revolutionary new sleeve designs.

Darton Announces JE Pistons As a New Distributor

Darton Sleeves, Carlsbad, California—(January 1, 2004)

The leading manufacturer in pistons JE Pistons, has now joined Darton's team of extraordinary distributors. JE Pistons will now be offering all of Darton's Modular Integrated Sleeve Kits also know as the M.I.D. kit. You can find our M.I.D. kits in JE Pistons new catalog and soon in their new Sport Compact catalog. To get the best sleeve and piston combination for your high performance vehicle contact JE Pistons for pricing and availability.

Darton Sleeves announces the availability of a new solid deck sleeve kit for the Honda B16 and B18 blocks. This new addition is a Modular Integrated Deck (M.I.D.) Drag Sleeve Kit strictly for strip use only. Kits will be provided with a semi-finish bore of 86mm with a monstrous max bore of 87mm. With this larger bore it will be perfect for " All Motor " class drag applications. The new M.I.D. Drag Sleeve Kit incorporates all the new revolutionary designs with the exception of no o-rings on the lower register, allowing for greater bore sizes, and a non-wet sleeve design. Darton is the recognized leader in sleeve kit technology providing racers with the ability to push the envelope when it comes to import racing. Darton M.I.D. Drag Sleeve Kits are available from Darton direct or through our major distributor- Race Engineering.

Big Bore Flanged Sleeves for the Nissan™ SR20 Block

Darton Sleeves, Carlsbad, California—(October 31, 2003)

Drifting requires a good amount of horsepower to be able to smoke those tires around the track. What better way to gain reliable horsepower than to increase bore size? Darton Sleeves now has a big bore flanged sleeve available. There are two sizes available for the Nissan SR20 block. The first one is supplied at a semi-finished bore size of 86mm with a max bore of 86.5mm. The big bore sleeve is supplied at a semi-finished bore size of 87mm with a monstrous bore size of 90mm. Both of these sleeves are easily capable of withstanding up to 30 pounds of boost. There is no need to throw away those old blocks just resleeve it with a Darton flanged sleeve. The sleeves are made of the same 130,000psi tensile strength nodular ductile iron used on all our Funny Car and Top Fuel applications.